Rust prevention undercoatings

bob m

bob m

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We all look to take care of our cars and trucks, but sometimes we may neglect the factor rust plays in limiting the life of the vehicles - particularly with all the salt and chemicals applied on the roads come winter. Are undercoating coatings - Ziebart, Krown, etc, worth it or not?
 
I'm only familiar with Ziebart. It definitely helps but with Ziebart keep in mind that you must have annual inspections in order to keep your warranty valid ... they charge $25 or so for the inspection IIRC.
 
I wasn't aware those services are around anymore...most likely their demise is due to rust prevention improvements by the auto and steel industries.

I live in Michigan with plenty of salt on the roads and I haven't used any such undercoating since my 1979 Olds Royale. I usually keep my vehicles until 100-150k miles and my last Tahoe was 11 years old with 150k miles (it had very minor surface rust which undercoating doesn't warranty against). I have not regretted no longer using undercoating on any of them. To answer your question directly I would not consider an undercoating.
 
If you plan on keeping your car over 8 yrs. or so, or drive on dirt roads then I would, just to keep rust and scale off the frame and undercarriage

And yes I do take my own advice with Ziebart on my 2014 4Runner
 
Rubberized undercoating really causes nasty rot if you get any little hole in it, it then traps the moisture.

I spend a day cleaning, touch up painting, then using something like Amsoil Metal Protector HD, Fluid Film, CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, Wool Wax etc.
 
JDGolden said:
Rubberized undercoating really causes nasty rot if you get any little hole in it, it then traps the moisture.

I spend a day cleaning, touch up painting, then using something like Amsoil Metal Protector HD, Fluid Film, CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, Wool Wax etc.
Click to expand...

I hear you on the rubberized coatings possibly capturing moisture, but I think that's' why they recommend a yearly quick 'inspection"?
 
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Dang, I'm still trying to decide as the web reviews as to the benefits are very mixed.
 
Here’s the deal the way I see it.
I’ve been looking for a series 1 Datsun Z and these cars are now 50 yrs.old and the ones that have been undercoated with ziebart brand undercoating have held up incredibly well over that time. Now I’m not pushing that specific brand but this has been my observation and why I used it on my 4Runner
 
I still use a "cavity" product inside my panels to help guard the lower seams. I've used Eastwood Heavy Duty anti rust in the past. I've read good things about Valugard Automotive Cavity Wax which I'll try out in my next car.
 
you could go old school. 80 weight in the spring and fall sprayed all over the undercarraige.
look into rhinoliner.
or something like woolwax as a DIY. cavity wax mentioned above is good because it creeps/seeps into crevices.
 
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